BY JADE
DYSON
I photographed Dyson on one of those classic Iowa days where the weather couldn’t quite make up its mind. It was around 85 degrees, humid, and rain moved in and out throughout the session. Instead of fighting it, we worked around it, and honestly, the changing weather added something to the entire shoot. The softer skies, deep greens, and little breaks between the rain gave the session a relaxed, real-life feel that fit Dyson perfectly.
Dyson is a senior at Mount Ayr Community High School and will graduate with the Class of 2027 on May 16. Going into his senior session, he wanted his photos to feel vibrant, natural, and true to life, with a few moodier images mixed in. That gave us plenty of room to create a gallery that still felt polished without making it feel overly posed or unlike him.
And there is definitely no shortage of things that make Dyson, Dyson.
His hobbies include boating, wakeboarding, dirt bikes, Razors, farming, welding, working, and pretty much anything that keeps him outside or doing something with his hands. His favorite place is the lake, steak is his food of choice, and his music taste leans toward Sam Barber and early-2000s country. Basically, this session needed to feel a little rural, a little rugged, and completely laid-back.
One of my favorite things about senior sessions is getting to photograph someone in a way that actually reflects the season of life they are in. For Dyson, that meant creating images that felt more like real life than a perfectly constructed photoshoot. Between the heat, humidity, rain clouds, and everything in between, the evening had plenty of personality.
When asked what he’ll miss most about high school, Dyson’s answer was pretty simple: his mom doing his laundry. What won’t he miss? School itself. His favorite class has been work release, and when it comes to advice for younger students, his answer might be the best summary of this entire season: live in the moment.
After graduation, Dyson is keeping his options open. He’s considering continuing football or heading straight into the workforce, which fits someone who already enjoys working, farming, and welding.
Senior year is one of those strange in-between seasons. You’re still living the routines you’ve known for years while everything ahead of you is starting to change. That’s why I love documenting it exactly as it is.
Rain clouds, humidity, work boots, lake days, football, farming, and all.
Dyson, congratulations on reaching your senior year. Here’s to the Class of 2027 and whatever comes next.
